Miller beer is currently owned by Molson Coors Brewing Company, following a series of acquisitions and divestitures within the beer industry. However, it is important to note that the ownership of Miller beer has changed hands several times over the years.
The story begins with the Miller Brewing Company, which was founded in 1855 by Frederick Miller in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Miller beer quickly gained popularity in the United States and became a household name. However, in 1969, Miller Brewing Company was acquired by Philip Morris Companies Inc., a tobacco company that was looking to diversify its portfolio.
Under the ownership of Philip Morris, Miller beer continued to flourish and expand its market share. However, in 2002, Philip Morris made the strategic decision to separate its tobacco and beer businesses. As a result, Miller Brewing Company became a part of a newly formed company called SABMiller, which was created through the merger of South African Breweries and Miller Brewing Company.
SABMiller, with Miller beer as one of its flagship brands, became one of the largest brewing companies in the world. It continued to grow and acquire other beer brands, further solidifying its presence in the global beer market. However, the story took another turn in 2015 when Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world's largest beer company, announced its intention to acquire SABMiller.
The acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev was a monumental deal in the beer industry, valued at $107 billion. However, due to antitrust concerns, SABMiller agreed to divest itself of the Miller brands in the U.S. and Puerto Rico as a condition of the deal. This meant that SABMiller had to sell its stake in MillerCoors, a joint venture with Molson Coors, to Molson Coors Brewing Company.
As a result of this divestiture, Molson Coors became the owner of the Miller brands in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This included popular Miller beer products such as Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Miller Genuine Draft. Molson Coors, a multinational brewing company, already had a strong presence in the beer industry and this acquisition further strengthened its portfolio of brands.
It is worth mentioning that the ownership of beer brands can change over time due to mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. The beer industry is constantly evolving, and companies are always seeking strategic opportunities to expand their market share and grow their business. As a result, it is important to stay updated on the latest developments in the industry to understand the current ownership of beer brands.